Qatar’s Ahmed Al Dayani in action at FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series at Aspire Dome in this file picture.
DOHA: Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari (pictured), the second Vice-President of Qatar Olympic Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Doha 2018 is confident of Qatar showcasing a unique and unprecedented hosting of Doha Worlds – the first such gymnastics event in the Middle East.
With hectic preparations under way for the championships to be staged at the Aspire Dome from October 25 to November 3, Dr. Al Kuwari spoke about the Organising Committee’s efforts to showcase Qatar to the world. Following are the excerpts of his interview:
Q: Are the preparations well in place ahead of the opening day on October 25th?
A: First of all, we would like to thank H E Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the championship for providing full support towards organising the tournament in the best possible way. The work being done is to ensure top-most level of success and to show the real picture of the country’s distinctive organisational abilities in hosting major sporting events.
Q: Doha Worlds will see a record participation of over 700 gymnasts for the first time. Does this put pressure on you in organising the championships?
A: The preparations are going on at a hectic pace and with the aim of hosting a distinctive version of the championships. We are well ahead in time for the event which will witness the largest number of participants with the number of participating countries exceeding 80. It’s a large number and which the world gymnastics hasn’t seen before. And as such we are keen to come out with an exceptional championship which reflects our high organisational capabilities to the world.
Q: What message does the Organising Committee seek to send to the world by hosting this world championships?
A: This championship comes at a very important time, which motivates us to provide the best and to showcase the essence of civilisation of Qatar and the people of Qatar to the world. We will show that Qatar is living development and progress at all levels, and that what some seek to promote is unfounded and that those who will come to Qatar will see on the ground what we live is progress, prosperity and civilization.
Q: What will be achieved by hosting this edition of the world gymnastics?
A: The establishment of the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships for the first time in the Middle East is a gaining ground. The main element of Qatar Vision 2030 is the fact that the organising committee includes Qatari cadres. We are keen to take advantage of the organisation of this world championship with the introduction of new young players in the organisational work to achieve the inter-generational and create promising cadres for the future, because Qatar continues its vision to organise more tournaments. The investment in the human element is very important for us. The legacy of the tournament will not stop at possessing stadiums, facilities, infrastructure and other organisational aspects, but will extend to include the human element.
